Bengaluru: Karnataka police have registered a case against suspended BJP legislator Basanagouda Patil Yatnal for allegedly making an inflammatory speech in Maddur, Mandya district, during his visit to the town earlier this week.
The development comes a day after an FIR was filed against senior BJP leader and former minister CT Ravi on similar charges.
According to police, the case against Patil was filed late yesterday night based on a complaint by Police Sub-Inspector Manjunath. The complaint stated that Patil’s comments, made while addressing a gathering in Maddur, could promote enmity between communities and hurt religious sentiments.
The investigation team has booked Patil under provisions of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS) dealing with promoting hostility and disturbing public tranquillity. Officials said statements of witnesses present at the meeting are being collected, and video footage of the address is under review.
Tension in Maddur began on September 8, when clashes erupted near a mosque during a Ganesh Chaturthi procession. Stones were allegedly pelted at the procession, triggering unrest in the locality. Police later arrested 21 people in connection with the incident and subsequent protests. To control crowds, security personnel resorted to a mild lathi-charge.
Pro-Hindu groups had staged demonstrations after the stone-pelting incident, demanding strict action against the culprits. Several political leaders, including Ravi and Patil, visited Maddur in the following days, drawing criticism from the ruling Congress government for “escalating tensions”.
Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar accused BJP leaders of “igniting communal fire” instead of helping maintain calm. “They have no other work except to divide people and play politics. They should focus on development, bring funds for welfare schemes and work for projects like Cauvery, Mekedatu and Mahadayi,” he said.
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said the violence occurred when people were asked not to remain at the spot for too long during the procession. He appealed to all communities to maintain peace and assured that culprits involved in the clashes would be brought to justice.
Senior police officers said additional forces have been deployed in Maddur and nearby areas to prevent any further disturbance. Flag marches and peace committee meetings are also being organised.
Meanwhile, BJP leaders have criticised the state government’s handling of the situation, claiming that police action against Ravi and Patil is “politically motivated”. They said the administration should focus on bringing the real perpetrators of violence to book rather than targeting opposition voices.
The situation in Maddur remained under control today, though security personnel continued to monitor sensitive pockets as the investigation into both the stone-pelting case and the speeches by opposition leaders progressed.
